Same Way of Thinking

"Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God."

1Peter 4:1-2

 

In this letter, Peter is primarily writing to new Gentile Christians and Jewish Christians in the churches.  Peter's primary message to his readers is an exhortation and encouragement to endure suffering and persecution they were facing at that time.  The appeal in the portion of scripture above, is to consider the suffering that Christ endured for all of us.  And due to that suffering, we are to "arm [ourselves] with the same way of thinking".  What thinking is that?  The mindset that we will all have to endure hardships, suffering, and perhaps even persecution in this life.  That's just the way it is.  As Christians we are to walk by faith, following in the steps of Jesus Christ.  Too often we get caught up in a 'self-help' type of religion.  We think that when we give our lives to Jesus and ask Him into our heart, everything gets better from that day forward.  Certainly, Jesus came so that we may live an abundant life, we are told that in the gospel of John, but the abundant life, doesn't necessarily lead to abundance of materials and everything going our way.  The abundant life has to do with peace, love, and joy, even in the midst of the storms.  As followers of Jesus, we ought arm ourselves with the thinking, that as His followers, we are guaranteed to endure suffering.  The hope and beauty of the gospel message is that although we will all have hardships, we can take heart because Jesus has overcome the world, suffering, and death!  We need to arm ourselves with the thinking that it is truly a blessing to share in the sufferings we do, while following Jesus.  As we endure the hardships we face in life, we are given the fruit of peace, love, and perseverance by the Holy Spirit.  And as we walk in the valley of the difficulties and trials, we begin to shine His light.  A light of hope, love, and forbearance.  The hope of victory.  The hope of overcoming.  And the hope of eternal life, peace, and abundant life.  Today take heart in the trial!  Know that it is the will of God that you would have trials and difficulties.  Arm yourself with the thinking that it is an honor to be more like Jesus and share in the suffering.  And finally, pray and ask the Lord to give you the strength, perseverance, and peace through the storm, trusting that He will provide everything you need!  Love you all!  Praying for you and yours!  Have a blessed day, it's your choice!